AV · 16 hours ago
Product Line Chief Engineer
SD Metro Area
Full-time
Onsite
Director/Executive
$181K/yr - $257K/yr
15+ years expAeroVironment (AV) is a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems and tactical missile systems. The Product Line Chief Engineer is responsible for overseeing all technical aspects of the Titan CUAS product line, leading a team of engineers through the product lifecycle, and ensuring that technical specifications are met throughout the development process.
AerospaceAir TransportationDronesElectric VehicleElectronicsEnergyGovernmentManufacturing
No H1B
Security Clearance RequiredU.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Personifies the AV pillar of 'Innovation'
As the Titan Engineering Authority, oversees all technical development and product sustainment activities within the Titan product line
Drives technical responses for business proposals
Leads the technical team that will efficiently and effectively fulfill program technical, schedule and cost requirements and drives process improvements
Chairs technical reviews and is the final authority for product documentation and engineering change requests/orders
Collaborates with Operations, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Quality to ensure technical specifications, as designed, are managed/controlled and flow through the entire value chain
Responsible for all technical aspects of the product
Supports the development of plans for product IRAD and sustaining projects through proper work decomposition and skills assignment to project work tasks
Develops and mentors high-performing engineering teams
Leads multi-discipline engineering activities and mentors engineers to improve technical and leadership skills
Partners with functional leaders to drive process improvements throughout the engineering development processes
Responsible for leadership and direct performance management of a group of Senior Engineering Managers
Works with other Engineering Managers to staff and prioritize engineering tasking across various Titan development efforts
Leads root cause investigations and rolls out corrective actions (RCCA)
Other duties as assigned
Qualification
Required
Master Degree or PhD in a Mechanical, Electrical, or Systems Engineering discipline (or equivalent). Experience with RF strongly preferred
Experience with Defense products and customers, especially in C-UAS products
Minimum of 15 years of demonstrated experience in product design and sustainment
Ability to obtain a Secret level clearance
Experience with leading large technical teams through the product lifecycle
Experience with drawings and BOMs; Engineering Change systems; Quality systems for non-conforming parts and corrective action
Experience in an Agile and Waterfall development environment
Excellent verbal, presentation, and written communication skills
Experience project planning in terms of schedule, budget, and resource estimations
Exceptional leadership and management skills, with the ability to develop and communicate a vision that inspires and motivates staff and aligns with the business strategy
Ability to build strong relationships within all disciplines within organization
Effective influencing and negotiation skills in an environment in which resources may not be under your direct control
Experience with product manufacturing and product configuration processes
Experience leading a multi-disciplinary team in an engineering environment
Project Management Experience
Experienced and proficient with MS Office applications and other office productivity tools
U.S. Citizenship required
Existing DoD Secret security clearance preferred
Preferred
Education / experience in R&D environment is preferred, especially in RF field
Follows standard practices and procedures when analyzing situations or data from which answers can be readily obtained. Completes assigned tasks within schedule and budget
Shares ideas and experiences with others, solicits feedback and asks relevant questions
Able to excel in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, where small teams share a broad variety of duties
Displays strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectives
Takes ownership and responsibility for current and past work products
Is committed to learning from mistakes and driven to improve and enhance performance of oneself, others, and the company
Has effective problem-solving, analytical, interpersonal and communication skills
Team Player - Focuses on teamwork, collaboration and puts the success of the team above one's own interests
Inspires, motivates, and empowers people to deliver organizational goals, while also delivering value back to employees
Direct technical expertise in as many of the following areas as possible: RF, to include high power amplifiers, signal conditioning, and SDRs; C-UAS products; AI/ML; Image processing; Digital signal processing; Radio frequency spectrum and modern communication systems; Robust mechanical design for military/defense sectors
Benefits
Medical
Dental vision
401K with company matching
A 9/80 work schedule
A paid holiday shutdown
Company
At AV, we build shoulder-to-shoulder with our customers, delivering systems shaped by real-world missions, not theoretical requirements.
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
$1.68B2025-07-01Post Ipo Equity· $875M
2025-07-01Post Ipo Debt· $650M
2023-09-19Post Ipo Equity· $109.01M
Leadership Team
Wahid Nawabi
Chairman, President & CEO
Johnathan Jones
Senior Vice President
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